How Congress Continues to Fail Us in National Security

July 23, 2004

The 911 Commission did not lay specific blame in its final report. They basically said  it was everyone’s fault.  They  also provided some recommendations to make our country safer.

Now, most people would think our politicians would look at the recommendations and take them seriously. But this has not been the case. The reaction has been political, and one of delay and evasion.  A political year seems more important than national security for both the Republican Congress and White House.

What will Congress do?  Not much, if they can get away with it.

There will be little or no change in the operation of government after the Commission report.

Congress will take their time before considering the report and its recommendations. Do not expect any action by the Republican controlled Congress this year.

Ditto for the Republican White House.

As time goes on, the report will be ignored so whatever reform we get in the future it  will not be what we need.

The Commission recommended an “Intelligence Czar” and many politicians claim this would just add more bureaucracy. Fair enough, but when and where did the Republican Congress stop the growth of the Federal government these past few years? Using the  “big government” argument  is disingenuous.

Those same politicians claim the Commission seeks to politicize the intelligence system. Oh Please!  Bush and the Congress have politicized 911 and all agencies attached to it from the beginning and especially in this year’s presidential campaign. 

Our politicians have decided their political interests are more important than national security. Republicans control the Government in Washington and it is they who can insure the Commission recommendations are studied and acted upon.

Don’t count on it.